Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on Italian new graduates in the health professions. This study investigated the impact of the pandemic on graduates' experiences with anxiety, depression, clinical placements, and employment readiness.
METHODS: An anonymous online survey was conducted with 200 new graduates in the health professions. The survey collected data on graduates' experiences with anxiety, depression, clinical placements, and employment readiness.
RESULTS: The survey results showed that there were significant disruptions in practical training for new graduates. Graduates also reported changes in their attitudes to patient care, and a significant number had difficulty finding work that matched their gained abilities.
CONCLUSION: The study findings suggest that universities and healthcare institutions need to adapt their training programs and support structures to accommodate the particular challenges that students in the health professions face during a pandemic. To assist effective transitions into the workforce, practical training opportunities should be maximized, mental health support services should be improved, and career counselling should be offered.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The findings of this study have implications for the practice of teaching and supporting new graduates in the health professions. Universities and healthcare institutions need to be aware of the challenges that these graduates face, and they need to take steps to mitigate these challenges. By providing comprehensive support to new graduates, universities and healthcare institutions can help to ensure that these graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and to provide high-quality care to patients.